Mark Whitehead 16 February 2024

Sharp increase in home schooling, survey shows

Sharp increase in home schooling, survey shows image
Image: goodluz/Shutterstock.com.

A survey of councils in the south of England shows a sharp rise in the number of children being educated at home.

Some parents said schools could not cater for their children's needs.

The data came from 15 councils in Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire for the years 2013-2023.

The highest number of home-schooled children was reported by Hampshire County Council, up from 623 to 3,593.

Dorset Council reported a rise from 15 to 285 children, Oxfordshire County Council's figures rose from 177 to 522 and Wiltshire Council saw an increase from 228 to 952.

Only Bracknell Forest Council reported a fall, from 91 children in 2021 to 87 in 2023.

One parent said: 'I believe that the school system is very much a cookie cutter approach and unfortunately our daughter didn't sit within the cookie cutter shape.'

Another said: 'I think some people, probably for similar reasons to me, want to spend more time with their children. But also the school system, I think, is really struggling to cater for the needs of lots of children.'

Mac Heath, co-chair of the Association of Directors of Children's Services South East region, acknowledged that home education was rising.

But he added: 'I would really urge that if we're ensuring that our children get the best opportunity to thrive, both socially, academically, that we continue to recognise that for most of our children schools are the best place for them.'

A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'We support the right of parents to educate their children at home but all children should receive a suitable education regardless of where they are educated.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
£30,024 - £33,699 plus allowances
WHAT WE DO MATTERS The team at Aycliffe Secure Centre provide a caring, trauma informed and aspirational environment for young people aged between 10 Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Occupational Therapist

Oxfordshire County Council
£38220 - £40777
Help us deliver our vision for adult social care in Oxfordshire About us At Oxfordshire County Council, you do not just work for us… you learn, grow, and thrive with us. Whatever your career aspirations are in adult social care, we are here to supp Banbury
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker - South Essex

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum
Community Support Worker - South EssexPermanent, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Programme Engagement Officer (Thurrock)

Essex County Council
£26485.00 - £31158.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Programme Engagement Officer (Thurrock)Permanent, Full Time£26,485 to £31,158 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer)

Somerset Council
Competitive, with a package commensurate with experience
A career-defining leadership role in one of England’s most important new unitary authorities Somerset / Hybrid (2–3 days per week on site on average)
Recuriter: Somerset Council
Linkedin Banner